Preah Khan Visitor Center

Since 1991, WMF has been preserving the Temple of Preah Khan (“Sacred Sword”), a 12th-century Buddhist monastic complex.

Commissioned by King Jayavarman VII, the complex has four concentric enclosure walls that embrace a labyrinth of shrines, courts, halls, and pavilions, all featuring spectacular sculptures.

A monument to religious tolerance, Preah Khan is jointly dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous ancestor cults. The Vishnu Complex consists of shrines dedicated to Vishnu, a protector deity, who, with Brahma the Creator and Shiva the Destroyer, make up the Hindu Holy Trinity. Jayavarman’s sacred sword may have been housed in the Two-Story Pavilion, which has round stone columns—rare in Khmer architecture.

We have focused a great deal of our work on this temple, using it as a proving ground for innovative conservation techniques and as a classroom for a new generation of Cambodian stewards.

Working closely with APSARA, we are developing a new Visitor Center, which will offer a comprehensive introduction to the site. Archival and contemporary photographs and interpretive texts will immerse visitors in the history, culture, architecture, and the environment of Preah Khan.

Please support the Visitor Center by giving today.